What Is High Speed Steel

Date: 24 Sep 2014

By: Hunter

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High Speed Steel (HSS) is a class of metal used in a variety of applications like those relating to making industrial tools, saw blades, drill bits, etc. This type of steel offers a several benefits compared to carbon steel. HSS is the preferred alternative to carbon steel in the manufacturing of metal-cutting tools for its characteristic resistance to high-temperatures.

A variety of factors make HSS Steel work so efficiently. A significant aspect relates to the type of metal. A high temperature treatment program applied to the steel adds value by making sure the steel stays solid even when working at really high temperature ranges, like those relating to a drill piece or saw blade in action.

High speed steel is a combination of different metals. This alloy combines such metals as cobalt, molybdenum, chromium, tungsten, copper, vanadium, nickel, silicon, manganese, sulphur and phosphorous. Since such a range of metals feature in the make up of high speed tool steel, there are a lot of different designations and types of this category of steel. Each combination is certain to offer a particular service or function. A metal featured often in the manufacturing process includes tungsten due to its hard-wearing properties.

Some of the major characteristic properties of HSS include: High strength to avoid breakage in cutting, high retention of hardness, compressive strength, high wear resistance, and high working hardness.

Heat treatment received by the HSS has seen significant advances in recent years. This is because of the more modern technologies available to the steel manufacturers. Modern advances make it possible to use an electron or laser beam to give the treatment at a very high temperature range. Even thought the high-speed metals have existed since the 19th century, the latest techniques make it possible to create the most resilient materials possible for the tool making industry due to reaching the higher temperature ranges compared to the more old-fashioned techniques used.

HSS Steel is appreciated by tool makers for its ability to melt other metals. The heat build-up and friction from sawing and drilling helps this metal work to a higher standard. A drill piece in action is certain to get very hot within a matter of seconds. It is this ability to withstand the heat that makes it possible for the tools manufacture in HSS to run so efficiently. The faster a drill bit or saw can go, the faster it is able to complete its job.